Lando Norris repeats with a new track record at Motorland Aragón

Lando Norris (Josef Kaufmann Racing) confirmed his status as a title contender in closing out Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 collective testing with the new track record of 1:54.664 at Motorland Aragón. With best time in both of the day’s sessions, the rookie led the same trio of Harrison Scott (AVF by Adrián Vallés), Dorian Boccolacci (Tech 1 Racing) and Henrique Chaves (AVF by Adrián Vallés that followed him yesterday. Sahara Force India Academy driver, Jehan Daruvala (Josef Kaufmann Racing) completed the top five. The drivers and teams will meet up again next Friday on theSpanish track for the first meeting of the 2016 season.

Joined by Nikita Troitskiy (Fortec Motorsports) and Max Defourny (R-ace GP) today, the number of drivers on track was 24 for the final day of pre-season collective testing.

Lando Norris (Josef Kaufmann Racing) lowered the lap record for the category in the morning session with a time of 1:54.664 to lead the way ahead of Harrison Scott (AVF by Adrián Vallés), Dorian Boccolacci (Tech 1 Racing), Henrique Chaves (AVF by Adrián Vallés) and Jehan Daruvala (Josef Kaufmann Racing). Rookies Robert Shwartzman (Josef Kaufmann Racing) and Gabriel Aubry (Tech 1 Racing) finished just outside the top five.

While the wind didn’t allow for much improvement in the afternoon, Lando Norris kept his momentum going, once again, heading the time sheet with a best lap of 1:55.452 to lead from his team mates Robert Shwartzman and Jehan Daruvala. Nikita Troitskiy and Harrison Scott slotted in behind the Josef Kaufmann Racing trio at the end of this final session.

Ferdinand Habsburg is aiming for the title

“Just like Lando Norris, I am doing a double programme this season and it is an added challenge that means having to adapt to two different cars ! Some say that it is an advantage and others say it isn’t, but the goal is still the same : win ! The tests were really difficult. After a few changes, it’s better and better, but there is still work to do. I hope it all comes together next week in the first race of the season ! The objective is the title, but the category is getting tougher and the level of competition is higher and higher.”

Will Palmer ready for his return

“I had to get on pace quickly after doing so little winter testing at the end of last year. The car is very different to drive than the car that took me to the BRDC F4 title last year, especially in terms of weight and natural balance. It is one of the most competitive championships with drivers from all around the world. While the tests have been good and encouraging until now, I don’t have a specific objective. I look forward to being at the first race, do the best I can and see where we finish !”

David Porcelli, the American in the field

"I am very excited to be here, a week before the start of the season. To come to Europe to represent my country, the United States, is a good thing for my exposure as a driver and sponsors. Right from my first test, I’ve gotten on well with MGR Motorsport and it is great to have the attention of the team to be able to progress. Coming from the Skip Barber Series, the learning curve is huge and I will be really thrilled to finish in the top ten. Nevertheless, I am realistic and I think that my place will be in the Top 15.”